VERBUND AG has appointed Stefan Waldner as its new Chief Financial Officer and Management Board member, effective immediately. The decision, made by the Supervisory Board, fills a critical leadership void following the departure of Peter Kollmann on August 31, 2026. Waldner's appointment is for an initial two-year term, with an option for a further two years, signaling continuity in the company's financial leadership.
Waldner, 49, joins VERBUND with more than two decades of experience in the international energy sector, specializing in financing, capital markets, and mergers and acquisitions. His most recent role was Senior Vice President in OMV's finance function, where he honed skills directly applicable to VERBUND's complex financial landscape. Previously, he served as CFO of OMV Petrol Ofisi in Turkey and as CFO and Executive Board member of OMV Petrom in Romania. His career began at Merrill Lynch International in London before joining OMV in 2005, giving him a blend of investment banking and operational energy expertise.
Martin Ohneberg, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of VERBUND AG, emphasized Waldner's qualifications: "Stefan Waldner combines capital markets expertise with operational CFO experience in the energy industry. He is well placed to support VERBUND's strategy and maintain its financial strength." Edith Hlawati, CEO of OBAG and member of the Nomination Committee, added, "We are delighted to have found a candidate who is a 100% match for the advertised profile. I am even more pleased that we were able to fill this important key position from within OBAG's portfolio companies." This internal promotion highlights the company's commitment to leveraging existing talent and ensuring strategic alignment.
Waldner expressed enthusiasm for his new role: "I look forward to working with my fellow Management Board members and our employees to implement VERBUND's strategy, with a focus on sound financing and disciplined capital allocation." His priorities reflect the broader challenges facing energy companies today, including the need for robust financial planning amid volatile markets and the transition to renewable energy sources.
Until Waldner assumes office, CEO Michael Strugl will continue to oversee the finance portfolio, a responsibility he has held since Kollmann's resignation. The Supervisory Board thanked Strugl for his additional efforts. Waldner's appointment is effective as of the announcement date, ensuring a smooth handover and uninterrupted financial leadership.
The appointment is significant because it reinforces VERBUND's commitment to financial stability and strategic growth. Waldner's extensive background in capital markets and M&A will be crucial as the company navigates the evolving energy landscape, potentially pursuing acquisitions or financing large-scale renewable projects. His experience with OMV, a major integrated oil and gas company, provides insights into both traditional and transitional energy finance, which is vital for VERBUND's role in Austria's energy transition.
For investors, the appointment signals continuity and expertise, likely reassuring stakeholders about the company's financial governance. As VERBUND continues to invest in renewable energy and infrastructure, Waldner's leadership will be instrumental in maintaining the company's financial health and executing its strategic vision. The original release can be viewed on www.newmediawire.com.
